India's Chip Gas Safety: A Regulatory Overhaul Needed

Suppliers for India's developing semiconductor manufacturing sector have formally requested a comprehensive regulatory framework for managing industrial gases. Many of these substances are inherently toxic and flammable, necessitating stringent handling protocols.

This initiative is crucial as investments in the semiconductor ecosystem, particularly for the upcoming Tata fab in Dholera, continue to grow. Global companies like Linde and Air Liquide are preparing to supply essential gases and chemical delivery systems, underscoring the urgency for updated safety guidelines.

Industry executives emphasize that the current regulatory framework, overseen by bodies like PESO, does not adequately cover the approximately 50 gases required for semiconductor production. Many of these specialized gases will be manufactured or imported into India for the first time, making robust safety standards imperative.

Adopting international best practices is seen as vital for safeguarding workers, ensuring supply chain integrity, and enhancing investor trust. Stakeholders believe that for India's ambitious semiconductor goals to be realized, the supporting industrial ecosystem must develop in tandem with fabrication and packaging facilities.

The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) has identified critical gases such as helium, silane, phosphine, diborane, and arsine as not currently produced domestically. Furthermore, while gases like hydrogen, argon, and ammonia are manufactured in India, they often lack the required purity levels for semiconductor applications.

Experts advocate for a harmonized approach, integrating Indian standards with global benchmarks like those set by SEMI. This collaborative effort, involving BIS, PESO, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to establish a three-layer framework for gas specifications, safety, and handling, ensuring both domestic capability and uncompromised safety.